The rule with regard to obligation of installation of ballast water management system for the vessels engaged in U.S. waters has already entered into force by United States Coast Guard (USCG). The rule is entitled as "Standards for Living Organisms in Ship's Ballast Water Discharged in U.S. Waters". Please refer to ClassNK Technical Information No.TEC-0903 about detail of this rule.
According to this rule, the vessels engaged in U.S. Waters are to be provided Ballast Water Management Plan. This time, USCG published "Evaluating a Vessel's Ballast Water Management Plan" so we will inform following matters.

From this evaluation, contents of Ballast Water Management Plan are almost the same as required by Ballast Water Management Convention. In addition to the contents, description of "Detailed fouling maintenance and sediment removal procedures" is required by 33 CFR Part 151.2050(g)(3).

[Description of "Detailed fouling maintenance and sediment removal procedures"]
Many vessels employ fouling maintenance procedures to reduce drag and maintain fuel efficiency. The intent of requiring fouling (may be called the biofouling) maintenance procedures is to provide effective measures for controlling the growth of organisms on submerged surfaces. These fouling maintenance procedures help to prevent the transport and introduction of aquatic nuisance species into waters of the United States via fouling on vessels.

1. Fouling maintenance procedures
Fouling maintenance procedures may be documented in standalone document or may be integrated as part of the vessel's operational procedures and referenced in the Ballast Water Management Plan. The procedures / plans should contain information on the following:

(1) Details of the anti-fouling systems and operational practices or treatments used, including those for niche areas (niche areas mean areas on a ship that may be more susceptible to biofouling due to different hydrodynamic forces, e.g., sea chests, bow thrusters, propeller); where and when installed; areas of the vessel coated; its maintenance and, where applicable, its operation.
(2) Hull locations susceptible to fouling and a schedule of planned inspections, repairs, maintenance, and renewal of anti-fouling systems.

(To be continued)